What is the treatment for an omphalocele?

Surgical: Omphalocele is a herniation of the bowel outside of the abdominal cavity of the fetus. There is a high association with other severe congenital anomalies including cardiac, and neural tube defects in up to 50% of fetuses. Repairing the omphalocele often is done in stages to allow the abdomen to expand & accept the bowel without causing compromise to the lungs.

Surgery: An omphalocele is a midline abdominal wall defect with heniation of intestine and liver inio the base of the umbilical cord stalk. If large the stalk can be shrunk by a variety of nosurgical methods and later resected to close abdomen. Some times a henia is created that can be repaired when child is older. If defect is small it can be closwed duiring newborn period.

Surgery: Omphalocele involves protusion of intra-abdominal organs through a defect in the umbilical ring usually covered with a sac. Depending on the size of the defect and how much of the internal organs have herniated, treatment options may differ. Small defects can be surgically repair soon after birth. Larger defects may require initial nonoperative approach with delayed surgical closure.